From Legacy to Innovation: The Evolution of Bowman Outdoor Living

In the heart of Georgetown, Bowman Outdoor Living has flourished through resilience, vision, and an unwavering commitment to quality craftsmanship. Owned and operated by Janice Bowman and her husband Jody Robinson (right), it is a testament to hard work, adaptability, and a passion for creating beautiful outdoor spaces. What began as Bowman's father’s venture has since evolved into a thriving business that meets the ever-changing needs of modern homeowners and businesses.

Roots in Hard Work and Determination

Janice Bowman was no stranger to the world of construction and business. Her father, Charles Petru, a general contractor, once ran multiple hot tub and spa stores but faced significant setbacks during the economic downturn of the late 1980s. Never one to quit, he rebuilt from the ground up, instilling a strong work ethic in his daughter. Meanwhile, Bowman was forging her own path—graduating from the University of Texas and building a career in pharmaceutical sales before making her mark in the outdoor living industry.

Robinson is a sixth-generation Austin-area native who grew up with long-standing community ties. Though he plays a vital role in the company, he often jokes that he works for his wife. Their partnership, in marriage and business, is a blend of expertise, shared values, and deep respect for the foundation laid by Bowman’s father.

The Opportunity That Changed Everything

In the mid-1990s, Bowman was presented with an opportunity to work with Del Webb to develop Sun City in Georgetown. Though initially hesitant due to limited bandwidth, she arranged the meeting for her father, which set the stage for what would become a transformational era for their small business.

Starting with decks, their new company quickly became known for quality and craftsmanship. Soon, they were asked to build flagstone patios, prompting Petru to acquire masonry skills. From there, slow and steady growth defined their journey and each successful project opened the door to new opportunities, including commercial contracts and large-scale retaining walls.

A Strategic Shift: Outdoor Living

By the early 2000s, the business had grown beyond a small kitchen-table operation. Bowman, who had left her corporate job to focus on raising her family, found herself increasingly involved in running the business. The company expanded from masonry work to landscaping after Bowman, recognizing an unmet need, took the initiative to learn the trade. With a background in marketing and sales, she immersed herself in industry research, attended seminars, and built relationships with horticulturists. Her hands-on approach — asking questions on job sites, learning from her team, and studying plant species — quickly turned landscaping into a profitable arm of the company.

Recognizing the company’s evolving identity, Janice pushed for a rebrand. The business, originally known as Bowman Construction, transitioned in 2011 to Bowman Outdoor Living. This marked a turning point, aligning their name with their broader vision of creating custom outdoor spaces, including kitchens, fire pits, water features, and more.

Creating a Showroom Experience

One of Janice’s early concerns was credibility. As a growing company handling substantial projects, she wanted clients to feel secure. “It always felt odd taking a $10,000 down payment from someone when I just showed up at their house,” she explains. The need for a centralized business location became evident, leading to their move to their current office space—a classic Georgetown house on a few acres where they could showcase their craftsmanship.

Today, the showroom offers customers an immersive experience where clients touch material samples, view paver designs, and visualize outdoor projects before committing. As well, the addition of in-house CAD specialists allows clients to see 2D and 3D renderings, ensuring their outdoor living dreams align with reality.

Building a Team and a Legacy

With growth came the need for a strong team. Bowman Outdoor Living now boasts nearly 50 employees: seven office staff, three sales professionals, an in-house CAD designer, and multiple landscaping and masonry crews. In addition, they work with trusted subcontractors for specialty projects like plumbing and electrical work.

The loyalty they engender in those employees is a cornerstone of their success. Many team members have been with the company for more than a decade. Bowman and Robinson naturally foster a family-oriented work culture, attending employees’ family events, supporting them through hardships, and encouraging professional growth for and among their team members. Robinson says, “It is a sign of good growth if you can take your C-team and turn them into A-team guys. You create something special. Even though it's tough on us, we are always pleased when our team members learn so much that they go out and build a new company of their own."

Community Commitment and Giving Back

Bowman and Robinson believe giving back to the community isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s also good business sense. They firmly believe success is not just about revenue, but about investing in people and making a positive impact. “You can’t keep it if you don’t give it away,” Bowman says.

“Everything we have is a blessing from God, and we’re just stewards of it. If we don’t reinvest in our community, in people, and in helping others grow, we won’t grow ourselves.”

Robinson adds, “When you’re out in the community, people recognize you, sometimes without you even realizing it. People want to do business with those who contribute to the greater good. We don’t give back with the expectation of getting something in return, but when you build trust, credibility, and relationships through service, the goodwill comes full circle.”

This philosophy extends into action — Bowman Outdoor Living actively supports local initiatives, including St. Helen’s Catholic School, the Annunciation Maternity Home, Oak Ridge Disciple House, and the Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center. They also provide employment opportunities for individuals in recovery programs, helping them reintegrate into society with dignity and purpose.

Adapting to Market Trends

Bowman says the outdoor living industry has evolved significantly in recent years, particularly due to the lifestyle changes brought about by COVID, when homeowners invested heavily in their own outdoor spaces. This shift cemented outdoor living as an essential home feature rather than a luxury.

Bowman Outdoor Living stays ahead of trends, regularly attending industry expos and incorporating innovations like louvered patio covers, outdoor turf, and xeriscaping. However, they prioritize timeless design over fleeting trends, ensuring that their clients’ investments stand the test of time.

A Legacy That Lives On

In July 2023 Charles passed away at 83, still actively involved in the company he helped build. His legacy — integrity, hard work, and craftsmanship—remains deeply embedded in the business.

Janice and Jody envision Bowman Outdoor Living as a lasting family enterprise, with their children playing roles in design and accounting. Their mission remains the same: to build high-quality outdoor spaces, foster strong community ties, and create a business where employees and customers alike feel valued.

From a small family operation to a leading name in outdoor living, Bowman Outdoor Living is a story of resilience, passion, and purpose—rooted in the past, thriving in the present, and building for the future.